2018 ALAP Report

The Adirondack Lake Assessment Program (ALAP) is a research and monitoring collaboration between scientists and volunteers. Citizen science collaborations, such as ALAP, expand opportunities for scientific data collection and provide citizens with the benefit of knowing they helped advance the understanding of Adirondack lakes. ALAP is a cooperative effort between Protect the Adirondacks (PROTECT) and the Paul Smith's College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). The objectives of ALAP are to: (1) develop a long-term water quality database for Adirondack lakes and document historical trends in their limnological condition, (2) provide a repository for water quality data that multiple stakeholders can use to make informed decisions, and (3) engender lake stewardship by providing opportunities for citizens to participate in scientific monitoring. This report provides readers with appropriate background information on lake science, a regional analysis of the current water quality characteristics of Adirondack lakes, and a synthesis of current and historical water quality data for each of the participating lake.

The mission of the Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith's College is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through science, collaboration, and real world experiences for students.